10th Annual PAWS 4 Kisses & Hugs Honors Local LAFD Firefighters in Memory of 9/11

Chatsworth, CA – September 7, 2025 – The 10th Annual PAWS 4 Kisses & Hugs event brought love, gratitude, and healing to local LAFD stations as therapy dogs, volunteers, and community leaders honored firefighters in memory of 9/11.

The day began at 8:15 a.m. at the Chatsworth Metro Station, where volunteers checked in, received nametags, gift bags, and hats, and were inspired by founder/director Aydiee Vaughn Dunson’s pep talk on team assignments. Their first stop was LAFD Fire Station 75, where Captain Ming and his crew warmly welcomed them.

Community Liaison Mercy J. Alpert opened the ceremony with heartfelt words: “As we remember 9/11, we also celebrate the courage and resilience of our LAFD firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. This event is our way of saying: we see you, we thank you, and we stand with you.”

The visit included a pinning ceremony, where volunteers honored firefighters while Aydiee Vaughn and jazz singer Gayle La Rone performed a moving song. Each LAFD Station was presented with a large, beautifully prepared gift basket, sponsored by community supporters including Darryl E. Smith (Desprod Inc. / Darryl E. Smith Productions), Gigi J. Kropfl (Gigi’s Tools Rule), Everett Anderson (Filmnkey), and Christian Zuniga & Familia Zuniga.

Firefighters were visibly touched. Many expressed surprise and gratitude, noting they had never been recognized in this way. One firefighter shared: “During the horrific fires earlier this year, the community came out and was very generous, and it was overwhelming. But we’ve never been greeted by therapy dogs, honored with certificates, serenaded with song, and showered with gifts in this capacity. It means so much.”

The event concluded with the presentation of the “Prince Bailey Mascot Crystal Award” by founder/director Aydiee Vaughn Dunson, honoring the legacy of her Shih Tzu therapy dog, Prince Bailey, whose solo visits to fire stations and community sites after 9/11 inspired the PAWS Movement.

Over the last decade, PAWS has blossomed into a full movement supported by therapy dogs, community leaders, and volunteers. This year the therapy dogs included:

• Ranger (3.5 years), Agoura Hills – Owner Nilly Smith
• Diesel (14 years), Los Angeles – Owner Jess Manavian
• Gizmo (12 years, retired), Woodland Hills – Owner Gayle La Rone Harris

PetSmart Northridge and PetSmart Canoga Park once again sponsored toys, gift bags, and doggy lunches for the therapy dogs—continuing a 9-year tradition.

This year a few community leaders volunteered up close and personal; Diana Williams, CEO of the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce, Former President Board member Mahsa Hadjiaghai and Babette Shade, Director of Catering & Banquets from Hilton Hotel came along for the ride and was impressed with the Paws.  Diana Williams also presented Certificates of Appreciation at each station, she sponsored volunteer swag bags, and honored core PAWS leaders—Aydiee Vaughn Dunson, Mercy J. Alpert, and Annis Bangs—at the Volunteer Thank You Lunch.  Volunteer pins were also given to the volunteers from Babette Shade and The Shade Family.

The event’s success was made possible by an incredible network of sponsors, community partners, dedicated volunteers, family & friends!

Sponsors & Partners included:

• Stewart Reed Law Group (Julias & Patrina Stewart)
• VCA Parkwood Animal Hospital (Fallbrook)
• Diana Williams, CEO, WVWC Chamber of Commerce
• The Shade Family (Babette Shade, Director of Catering & Banquets, Hilton Hotel)
• Vickie Rubinson, Senior Citizen of Porter Ranch
• Arthur, Kristen & Wyatt Martinez (Bad Wolf Workshop)
• City Pride Magazine (Charles Jackson)
• Emme Agency (David Aaron Dunson)
• Safe Passage (Trish Steele)
• Have Mercy Mobile Notary
• All Animal Search & Rescue (Lorena Zabellos, CEO & Annis Bangs)
• Mike from A&M Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor (Volunteer Lunch Sponsor)
• Shirley Rayford & Family, Senior Citizen of Porter Ranch

Community Leaders & Volunteers who gave their time with enthusiasm and smiles:

• Aydiee Vaughn Dunson (Founder/Director/Producer)
• Arthur Martinez
• Annis Bangs
• Babette Shade
• Duane “Bucky” Buckley
• Everett Anderson (Video and Media)
• Gayle La Rone Harris & Gizmo
• Gigi J. Kropfl
• Jess Manavian and Diesel
• Joni Jackson
• Karen Contreras
• Kristen Martinez
• Linette Aparicio 
• Mahsa Hadjiaghai
• Mercy Alpert (Community Liaison & Media Relations)
• Nilly Smith & Ranger
• Zondre Johnson
• Wyatt Martinez (the sign holder at each station)

        Special Thanks

     We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following LAFD Captains and their stations for welcoming the PAWS team for a few moments of honor, love, and

     gratitude:

• LAFD Fire Station 08 – Capt. Lew
• LAFD Fire Station 28 – Capt. Konish
• LAFD Fire Station 75 – Capt. Ming
• LAFD Fire Station 107 – Capt. Stiers